Open Faced Peach & Raspberry Pie

1 pie crust (bottom only, for a 9 inch pie dish)

3 1/2 lbs ripe peaches
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup raspberries
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons apricot preserves

Preheat oven to 375.

Cut the bottom of each peach. Cook the peaches in a pot of boiling water for 1 minute. Remove and place in bowl of ice water. Let cool, then peel off skins.

Slice the peaches into 3/4 inch thick slice, and toss with the lemon juice to prevent discoloring.

Add 1/2 of the peaches to raspberries, vanilla, cornstarch and sugar; toss well. (If peaches are not very sweet, add additional 2 tablespoons sugar).

Lightly brush crust with the egg white.

Fill pie crust with raspberry-peach filling. Arrange peach slices in concentric rings so that the pie resembles a flower.

Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until the juices are bubbling, about 30 minutes.

Brush with apricot preserves. Cook another 15 minutes until bubbling.

Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving.

Serve with creme fraiche, vanilla ice cream or whipping cream.


Happy Eating,

Caitlin

Aphrodisiacs: Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Cream

The scent of vanilla is sexy and erotic yet sweet and innocent. And tests conducted at the Institute for Smell and Taste in Chicago (really?) found that the aroma was a powerful stimulant to men.

The peach is a food that is seen to symbolize female curves. The taste, smell, touch and feel of the peach has been compared to many female attributes. Peaches also supply healthy vitamin C-which may boost fertility in men. (Note to ladies: vanilla stimulates and vitamin C increases fertility in men. Be aware. Be smart).

For Peaches:
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 medium-size ripe but firm peaches, halved, pitted

For Vanilla Cream:
1/2 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chilled heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

Scrape seeds from vanilla bean with tip of a knife into a bowl. Add cream and sugar and beat with an electric mixer until cream just holds soft peaks. Keep in freezer while preparing peaches.

Heat butter, sugar and lemon juice in small saucepan until syrupy; mix in vanilla and set aside.

Meanwhile, prepare grill to medium-high heat, or turn oven to broil. Arrange peach halves, cut side up, on baking sheet; sprinkle peaches with syrup. Place peaches on grill, sugared side down. Grill until tender and slightly charred, about 4 minutes per side.

Transfer peach halves to plates. Serve peaches pit-side up and top with vanilla cream.

I am entering this in Mele Cotte's Kitchen of Love Aphrodisiac Contest